Australia legend Mike Hussey has hailed England's 'Bazball' revolution under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum and believes this summer's Ashes "will be the best series since 2005".
Hussey, who was involved in three Ashes series as a player, says England's new positive and aggressive approach to Test cricket "has made Australian's stand up and notice". Since taking charge last summer, Stokes and McCullum have guided England to ten wins in 12 Tests and Hussey is expecting a "great series".
Speaking to the Telegraph, Hussey said: "The way England are playing has made Australians stand up and notice, and recognise we are in for a real challenge. England will come hard, but Australians like that challenge.
"Australia won comfortably last time, but this is going to be a completely different kettle of fish. England are playing their own way, which is great for the game, and the home fans will be up and about. That suits Australia, who will put up a fight.
"What more could you want? It looks like it will be the best series since 2005. Obviously I am hoping the Australians win the Ashes, but I just want to see a great series."
Hussey did cross the Ashes divide last year, though, when he was offered a role as a consultant coach with England for the T20 World Cup. Hussey was recruited by fellow Australian Matthew Mott, who is England's white-ball coach, and proceeded to help them win the tournament.
And the 47-year-old was hugely impressed by the England setup, adding: "That's a pretty special group. It's an impressive machine. The depth of English cricket is phenomenal.
"That T20 World Cup campaign, you look at the players that weren't available or were injured during the tournament, and another high quality player would come in. I am not sure too many countries could have done that. Bairstow, Archer, Topley were all out. We kept replacing them. That is testament to the system.
"I know the Australian team have a huge respect for the England team and that hasn't always been the case. It's been the other way around."
